BUDA, TEXAS — The city of Buda is asking residents to share feedback about drainage issues and flood-prone areas as officials work to update the city's Drainage Master Plan. The update aims to ensure runoff water safely flows into Garlic Creek and Onion Creek and to prepare the city for increasingly intense storms.

Rainfall data from the National Weather Service shows storms are becoming more intense compared to past years. Some areas of Buda still struggle to drain heavy rainfall despite past drainage improvements, including those funded by a 2014 bond program that helped pay for bypass channels, one of them along South Loop 4.

As part of the study, a consulting engineer is expected to propose 21 projects aimed at improving the city's drainage system. Once construction costs are calculated, the proposed projects could move into the city's budget process for consideration. Public input gathered during the research phase will help shape the recommendations for drainage projects.

Angela Kennedy, the City Engineer and Director of Development Services for Buda, said residents who attended a public open house at the Buda Welcome Center described local conditions that would not be visible to officials otherwise. "We talked about changes that they've seen in Onion Creek and drainage areas across private property that no one would know about because they see it from their backyard when it rains. They were able to show me areas they're concerned about that maybe upstream development might impact." Kennedy said.

Residents who missed the public open house at the Buda Welcome Center can still submit feedback online. City leaders are working to ensure homes and neighborhoods in Buda are protected from flooding. On Tuesday night, city crews placed high-water signs and barricades along roads ahead of thunderstorms.